Ayaba Cho Backpedals as operation "Bamenda Clean" intensifies

Ayaba Cho Lucas

Ayaba Cho Lucas, self styled leader of the Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF) has called for an end to any form of lockdown witnessed in North West Cameroon as operation "Bamenda Clean," an operation by security forces intensifies

"Bamenda clean" is an operation to weed out separatist fighters from civilian hideouts according to a joint communique signed by General Nka Valere of the 5th joint military Region, General Ekongwese Divine of the 5th Gendarmerie Region and Senior Supretendant of police Gousmo Emile, Regional Delegate of National security for the North West

As at press time, house to house search had taken place at behind Che, Nitop, Back travellers and parts of Mulang

"They came in and asked that we present our National Identity cards. They went round the house and even to the kitchen. When nothing incriminating was found, they left" a resident of Behind Che told the Observer

Others in Nitob, Wednesday September 9th 2020 could barely leave their houses as defense and security forces extended the "Bamenda Clean" campaign

Deafening gunshots could be heard around travellers with at least a dozen youth arrested

The call for a return to normalcy from Ayaba Cho Lucas in his words is strategic. Strategic because the population has been a cover for separatist fighters for years and counting and when the population stays at home they're exposed

This reporter cannot independently verify how many casualties have been registered but they have violent clashes between the regular army and separatist fighters in the last 48 hours

Bamenda, Capital City of the North West has been under timid business activities as a restriction on motorbikes by the SDO of Mezam and City Mayor of the Bamenda City council was supposed to be enforced since Monday September 7th 2020

Separatist leaders abroad imposed a ban on the use of vehicles and township taxis in solidarity with bike riders

As at Wednesday September 9th, few taxis and private cars were in circulation but majority of business places in the central business district remain closed.

The call by Ayaba Cho Lucas sparked controversy online as he did not mention if the call for an end to a lockdown which was never imposed means the bike riders should respect the limits not to circulate in the urban centre of Bamenda

Majority of the kidnappings, killings and robbery have been committed on motorbikes around the urban perimeter of Bamenda. The restriction by administration might just be an end to brisk business for those who kidnap for ransom 

General Nka Valere in an outing on Sunday September 6th 2020 told bike riders to scrupulously respect the Municipal order restricting the circulation of bikes as no disorder will be tolerated

While a higher degree of business activities continue in Bamenda III district, it is left to be seen when Bamenda II will swing into full gear

Bamenda counts nothing less than 10, 000 bikes as per the former Government Delegate to the Bamenda City council

By

Ndi Tsembom Elvis